Family summer trip to Amsterdam: bikes, canals and playgrounds
- Seng Flo
- Sep 18
- 5 min read
This summer, we traveled to Amsterdam for a few days as a family of four (kids aged 12 and 9). Bikes, canals, museums and playgrounds included!
It was our first time visiting the city together, and I quickly realised just how much it has to offer families. From wandering through museums to spotting planes at Schiphol Airport or cycling through the small streets by the canals, every day was a little adventure (especially the cycling!).
Our trip reminded me that while planning is important, some of the best moments happen when you leave room for a little spontaneity.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
We took an early Eurostar from Paris on a Monday morning (6:22am from Gare du Nord) - needless to say, we were running on very little sleep!
There are options from London too, but the journey is longer and includes passport control, which we avoided coming from France. We returned to Paris via Eurostar on Saturday afternoon, enjoying sandwiches we’d bought at the train station.
Cycling in Amsterdam
Most of our exploring was by bike. We rented bikes for five days. It wasn’t cheap, and at times it was a little stressful:
Motor scooters are allowed on some bike lanes.
Locals cycle very fast (no surprise there!)
Tram tracks and crowded tourist areas can make cycling tricky.
Tips for cycling in Amsterdam:
Bike parking is plentiful but can get full. Don’t leave your bike just anywhere: it can be taken, and the rental shop will fine you.
Amsterdam is walkable, but pavements in the centre can be narrow and not ideal for strollers.
Trams and Metro
Our son, an avid transport fan, was desperate to try the tram. I bought tickets via the GVB Reis app (straightforward and easy). We used the tram for a few stops and also the metro to reach the train station with our luggage.
MUSEUMS & CULTURE
Booking in advance is essential, we nearly missed it! Tickets sell out fast. We had to buy from a third-party website, which wasn’t ideal, but at least we got in.
Our son spent most of the visit drawing, with his little sister happily assisting him. I noticed I’m drawn to the same paintings as on my last visit three years ago (Red Cabbages and Garlic, 1887). A highlight for me was discovering the artist John Madu.
Tip: Don’t miss the café! We loved the sunflower-shaped dessert that everyone got to taste - delicious and beautiful!
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is enormous. Some areas are very busy, while others offer space to breathe and enjoy the artwork. I loved discovering the Cuypers Library tucked in a quieter corner. Meanwhile, the kids enjoyed exploring, commenting, and making up stories about the art.
NEMO Science Museum
On our first day, we visited NEMO, designed by architect Renzo Piano. It’s fantastic for kids (and adults!) with hands-on experiments. We missed the top floor, which looked very interesting. In hindsight, we could have easily spent four hours there instead of two.
Tip: Allocate at least 3–4 hours if your kids enjoy science and experimentation.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t get tickets. These must be booked well in advance, leaving little room for spontaneity.
OUTDOORS & PLAYGROUNDS
Vondelpark
We couldn’t skip Vondelpark. It’s perfect for cycling, having a picnic or just enjoying the greenery.
Playgrounds
We found two great playgrounds:
Frederik Hendrikplantsoen / it was empty on a late drizzly afternoon, with impressive climbing structures. Our daughter was a little nervous on the high structures!
Natuurspeelpark Sarphatipark / a nature-themed playground perfect for exploration and outdoor play. We wished we had explored that neighbourhood more; it had a lovely community vibe.
Tip: Check Google Maps for local playgrounds - you might find hidden gems!
Geocaching
We tried Geocaching a few times and found some “caches” - a fun activity for the whole family!
Schiphol Airport
Our aviation-enthusiast son requested a visit to Schiphol Airport. Google Maps estimated a 50-minute cycle, but it took us two hours. The route was partly along Park de Oeverlanden by the Nieuwe Meer - beautiful but more exposed and windy approaching the airport.
We parked our bikes near the Hilton hotel and made our way to the Panorama Terrace. It’s a dedicated viewing area over the terminals. Not as close to the runways as our son hoped, but comfortable for adults. There’s also a quiet café (Spaces) with lunch options and a large aircraft you can explore.
Canal Tour
We booked a one-hour tour with Rederij P. Kooij. It gave us a beautiful perspective of the city from the water.
FOOD & CAFES
We didn’t dive deeply into Dutch cuisine, opting for easy options in the evenings.
Highlights:
Melly’s – a tiny café with fantastic cookies. We were lucky to find a table for all four of us. Melly on GoogleMaps
Café de Jaren – overlooking the canal. The atmosphere was wonderful, though we couldn’t get a table on the terrace. Café de Jaren on GoogleMaps
SHOPS & SOUVENIRS
The Flower Market, where bought tulip bulbs for family (you can find souvenirs there as well)
The Mouse Mansion, Sam & Julia, a shop dedicated to two mouse characters, like a mini museum with a huge village model. More appealing for younger children.
Stationery Shops:
De Posthumus Winkel was recommended by a friend; they sell wooden stamps, ink pads, wax seals. De Posthumus Winkel on GoogleMaps
Vlieger, where you’ll find endless types of paper for paper lovers. Vlieger on GoogleMaps
MY TAKE AWAY
We made the most of our trip to Amsterdam. The pace was relaxed, and the weather was mild - a perfect mix of sunshine, showers and wind.
The city is family-friendly, walkable and full of culture. With a little planning and a willingness to be flexible, it’s a perfect short getaway for families.
Have you been to Amsterdam? If so, I’d love to hear your recommendations for our next visit!
TIPS:
Book popular museums in advance (Van Gogh, Anne Frank House).
Allow extra time for bike trips; Google Maps estimates may be optimistic and you’ll need to find a dedicated space to park your bike.
Explore playgrounds for some downtime - kids will love it.
Try a canal tour - it offers a new perspective on the city.
Check local cafés for snacks and treats.
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